Cornmeal

Frozen blueberries make these muffins a year-round treat. You can use blue cornmeal for this recipe, but of course, the yellow works just as well.

All the flavor of individual tamales, but much easier to make.

As any southerner will tell you, eating black-eyed peas at New Year's will ensure good luck. For a simpler (and meatless) version of this hors d'oeuvre, omit the pork and serve these tender little cakes topped with just the red pepper mayo.

The Masa Harina adds a pleasant flavor to the light and fluffy pancakes.

This corn bread is on the dry side — ideal for our dressing (see Pork Chops with Pecan Corn Bread Dressing and Cider Gravy) but not for eating on its own. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try this cheese-laden side dish with roasted chicken or grilled lamb.

Corn kernels, cornmeal and sour cream combine in this very easy recipe, resulting in tender muffins with great corn flavor. These are extra good with the Apricot-glazed Turkey with Gravy and the New England Sausage, Apple and Dried Cranberry Stuffing

Margaritas and some guacamole with chips and/or vegetable "dippers" would start this Mexican-style dinner off right. Ladle out black bean soup to precede the tamale pie, and serve a Caesar salad with it. Finish by teaming lime sorbet with orange segments that have been marinated in tequila.

Legend has it that these cornmeal and molasses rolls are named for a New England fisherman's curse on his wife: "Anna, damn her!" Regardless of what she may have done to upset her spouse, she was a great baker.

A simple corn and cornmeal topping makes these halibut fillets a party entrée.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.